There are five MCU movies and Disney+ series fans need to see before the impending release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
As the MCU prepares to revisit the story of Black Panther and the world of Wakanda, it’s important to think about the story so far. While things will be a lot different this time as Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa is sorely absent, there will be a lot of storytelling going on with the characters returning.
Despite this being his second solo foray into the world of Wakanda, the fictional African country has been considered important to the MCU as a whole since it was first officially mentioned in Avengers: Age of Ultron as the protagonist of arms dealer Ulysses Claw.
So, with Wakanda Forever just days away from finally hitting theaters, here are five MCU projects that could have an impact next — all of which can now be streamed on Disney+.
5 MCU Movies & Shows to Watch Before Black Panther 2
1.) Captain America: Civil War
After Andy Serkis’ Klau brought Wakanda to the MCU in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Black Panther finally entered the fray with Captain America: Civil War. As King T’Challa dies at the hands of the Winter Soldier, Chadwick Boseman’s journey to T’Challa has kicked into gear, as the villainous Zemo.
It saw the Wakandan prince seek revenge on his father’s killer, battle Team Iron Man while meeting the Avengers for the first time, and prepare to ascend the throne. Ultimately, the Civil War serves as a precursor to Black Panther and is thus an important moment in T’Challa’s story.
2.) Black Panther
Obviously, Black Panther is a must before watching Wakanda Forever as these characters’ journey continues. With Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa sadly gone, the Wakandans that surround him in the first film will now take center stage, making it the most important watch ever.
Throughout the MCU, fans are learning all about T’Challa, Shuri, Nakia, Okoye, and Ramonda, all of which will have a big impact on the next sequel. Furthermore, Wakanda itself is seeing a lot of growth as audiences begin to understand the unique culture and programming that will continue to be important going forward.
3.) Avengers: Infinity War
Where Civil War and Black Panther collectively saw Wakanda open to the world and its heroes, Avengers: Infinity War took the fight against Thanos to the African nation. Not only did Wakanda prove to be a battleground, but T’Challa had led the conflict before eventually being kidnapped.
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Although Okoye has also joined the fight, perhaps the most interesting development that Infinity War brings is Shuri. With the princess leading the efforts to remove the Mind Stone from sight, this may be her biggest display of talent before she steps into the lead role of Wakanda Forever.
4.) Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame may not include a lot of Wakandan action, but there are a few key moments that stand out. In T’Challa and Shuri’s absence, Okoye is leading a relationship with the Avengers and talking about an “earthquake under the sea”, perhaps providing the first joke for Black Panther 2 villain Namor.
In the end, T’Challa and Shuri finally return to engage in the final battle against Thanos but find that there is only so much they can do here. Most importantly, it marks his return from The Blip and establishes that the Wakandan royal family is reunited in peace – something that will soon be revealed.
5.) The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Appearing in a cliffhanger at the end of Episode 3, Ayo brings Dora Milaje in search of Zemo in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The group has little to do in the series other than clashes with Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, and Lemar Hoskins, which led to Zemo’s escape.
Ultimately, Dora Milaje helps Zemo lead Zemo to the raft after his capture before encouraging Bucky to drive him out of Wakanda. This probably marks Ayo’s most prominent appearance in the MCU before landing a major role in Wakanda Forever.
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